Tropical Fruit Farm - the fruit lover's haven
Tropical Fruit Farm - the fruit lover's haven | ||||
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Rising 800ft above sea level on the hilly terrain of Teluk Bahang, Penang's Tropical Fruit Farm has an ideal environment for cultivating a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical fruit trees. The 25-acre orchard has over 250 different species of fruit trees from the region and around the world including Central and South America, Central Africa, India, the Middle East, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. The concept of the Tropical Fruit Farm was first conceived by Quah Eve Kheng (now the managing director) with an initial investment of RM8 million. The farm opened its door to a very enthusiastic public in 1993. Through the years, the farm has grown in popularity. The orchard now welcomes more than 350 visitors a day. Regardless of age or race, people are drawn to the orchard. This regular inflow of foreign tourists are due mainly to the ongoing arrangements between the farm and various tour agencies worldwide. Once you get there, you can choose from many interesting options available at the farm. For example, a visitor can opt for the guided tour or fruit tasting. Guided tour: The one hour guided tour invites visitors to explore the orchard. The orchard has many interesting fruits trees which include avocado, grapes, passion fruit, pears, peaches, cherries, persimmons, chestnuts and macadamia - fruits you usually do not find in the tropics. Another rare species to look out for on tour are the Brazilian grapes. The grape trees which took seven to eight years to mature and bear fruit are from the seedlings Mr Quah brought back from Australia. During the sampling, an orchard assistant will be on hand to provide information about the fruits on display. Visitors may want to pay particular attention to the exotic dragon fruit which resembles a dragon's flaming fire ball. Before you leave the farm, don't forget to indulge in a cool, thirst-quenching coconut drink. Buffet and tour package: The orchard also organises 20 people and a maximum of 200. The dinner buffet has a wide selection ranging from chicken to beef and lamb, and of course a seemingly endless supply of fruits in season. The "fruity" theme extends to souvenir items like fruit-shaped refrigerator magnets, keychains, hairclips, flower pots, vases and toys which are sold at the souvenir kiosk. Future plans of the orchard include an herbal and spice garden. The orchard is part of Penang Batik Factory Sdn Bhd's group of companies, which also include Craft Batik Sdn Bhd, Kasina Baru (M) Sdn Bhd and Adela Sdn Bhd. Office Address: Penang sight seeing tips | hills, beaches, recreational forest, fish villages, waterfalls | ||||
